Massillon, OH Real Estate

Nestled along the banks of the Tuscarawas River, Massillon is a small city in Stark County located just outside Canton. This charming community is anchored by a historic downtown district with local businesses, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Real Estate

Massillon real estate includes a diverse selection of homes, from quaint historic properties to larger new construction properties. Historic 19th-century homes are clustered in the Fourth Street area, new condominiums are located near downtown Massillon, in addition to the nearby Tuscarawas, Perry and Jackson townships. There are a myriad of rural developments in the region surrounding Massillon as well.

Lifestyle and Attractions

Considered a twin city of Canton, Massillon is a small town with lots to offer for residents and visitors alike. It is located approximately 8 miles west of Canton, 20 miles south of Akron, and 50 miles south of Cleveland. City activity revolves around the central business district, home to historic buildings with lively shops, restaurants, and local businesses. Cultural and arts venues in Massillon include the Massillon Museum, the Lions Lincoln Theatre, and more. Notable shopping districts in Massillon include Towne Plaza, Massillon Marketplace, and Meadows Plaza.

Nearby Schools and Higher Education

Massillon is mainly served by the Massillon City School District, while areas near or outside city limits are served by a number of districts, including Jackson Local School District, Perry Local School District, and Tuslaw Local School District. There are several private schools in Massillon, including Massillon Christian School, St. Barbara’s Elementary, St. Mary’s Elementary, and Central Catholic High School. There are no major institutions of higher learning in Massillon, although Ashland University has a satellite campus in Massillon. Additionally, residents may access colleges and universities in nearby cities, including Malone University, Walsh University, Stark State College, and more.

History

Massillon has a rich history dating back to its origins as the original settlement of Kendal, founded in 1812 by Thomas Rotch, a Quaker originally from Massachusetts and Connecticut. James Duncan, the founder of the town, first settled in Kendal before he recorded the plot for Massillon on December 6, 1826. He named the town after Jean Baptiste Massillon, a French Catholic bishop, as requested by his wife. The town was established along the east bank of the Tuscarawas River, which was the intended route for the Ohio and Erie Canal to connect Lake Erie with the Ohio River. Massillon evolved into a port town along the canal route, and became known as the Port of Massillon after the canal was completed in 1832. The town experienced growth as the first telegraph lines reached Massillon in 1847, and the railroad was constructed in 1847. Massillon officially incorporated as a village in 1853 and as a city in 1868, when the population reached 5,000.